Safe Online Shopping Tips

The holiday season is here, and with it comes the biggest shopping period of the year! As you use your credit cards, it's crucial to be extra vigilant. Each year, fraudsters develop new methods, which increases the risk of fraud, financial burden, and the headache that comes with it.

Since so many of us shop online, we've compiled a quick list of Online Shopping Safety Tips to help you avoid those unexpected troubles and enjoy a stress-free season. Here is a quick list to follow!

1. Use your Credit Card, NOT your Debit Card. When making online purchases, debit cards pose an unnecessary risk because they are directly linked to your primary bank account. By using a standard credit card, you benefit from stronger fraud protection and are far less likely to have funds directly jeopardized in your checking or savings accounts.
 
2. Monitor your accounts daily. Make it a habit to check your credit card and bank statements often for suspicious or unauthorized charges. Early detection is the key to a quick response time and limiting the scope of any potential fraud.
 
3. Never shop on shared computers or public Wi-Fi networks. Public and free Wi-Fi connections are often unsecure and can easily expose your sensitive data (like card numbers and passwords) to malicious individuals connected to the same network. Always conduct your online shopping from the safety of your home or a trusted, secure network source.
 
4. Select strong passwords and always use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Strong passwords are just the beginning. To ensure maximum security this holiday season, activate all possible authentication options. MFA is your best layer of defense against unauthorized access, even if your password is compromised. Unfortunately, your favorite shopping websites could be exposing you to potential risk also. 
 
5. Only shop on familiar websites and always verify the URL. While it's safest to stick to your favorite, trusted retailers, the holiday season brings a flood of tempting pop-up ads and new sites. Be suspicious of unfamiliar sites that feature strange URLs, lack the necessary https:// at the beginning of the address (the 's' stands for secure), use aggressive time limits on your cart, or lure you with unrealistic discounts. If a deal seems too good to be true, it almost certainly presents an unnecessary risk.
 
6. NEVER leave your mobile device unattended. Always log out of shopping sites and apps. The holiday season is hectic, filled with shopping trips and parties. If your device falls into the wrong hands while you are logged into shopping accounts and payment apps, you face an immediate risk. Always log out of your accounts to minimize your exposure and protect your finances, even if you are just stepping away for a moment.

We wish you joyful and safe shopping online, and hope you have a magnificent holiday season!